From the National Observer
“It takes nothing away from the scientists’ achievement this week to recognize that public reaction to the fusion announcement was very peculiar. Rapturous coverage throughout the mediasphere, viral zealotry on social media. Most notable and most difficult to achieve: full brain-worm penetration among the general public. Not just among the Popular Mechanics crowd but deep into circles not usually enthralled by the mechanics of power generation.
Fusion clearly activated the subterranean narratives that shape our thinking. Several of them are hostile to climate action. Some as ancient as our religious impulse.
An astounding number of holy grails were found this week in the headlines and commentary of the world’s news media. It was hard to miss the appetite for salvation, and it was served with a side of absolution.
The public reaction is particularly odd because we already have a fusion reactor, one so proximate and powerful a good look at it would burn out your eyes. It’s been showering us with energy for a very long time. We can harness the rays it delivers and the winds they generate, cheaply and at scale. And yet power from that original sun is often a subject of derision not salvation.”
Read the full editorial here.
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